Do Expats Need Health Insurance in St. Kitts | ||
Question: There has been debate within the government of St Kitts and Nevis to incentivize the purchase of private medical insurance for local residents; however, this debate has not progressed through to the creation of a law mandating such coverage. As an expatriate you will not be able to access the low cost healthcare options offered to local citizens. Doctors in St. Kitts and Nevis will require that you pay for the cost of your healthcare prior to receiving treatment. There are no private hospitals in St. Kitts, or on the island of Nevis; expatriates can access the country’s public healthcare facilities, but will have to pay a fee to do so – even at the public hospitals. St. Kitts and Nevis, being a smaller country, lacks some medical necessities. Individuals suffering from severe illnesses and injuries may be required to travel overseas in order to receive comprehensive medical care. Patients from St. Kitts who travel overseas for medical treatment will usually go to the USA. It is important to note that the USA does not have a public healthcare system similar to the UK’s NHS, and that medical costs in the USA are the most expensive in the world. Residents in St. Kitts who plan to utilize medical services in America should purchase a medical insurance policy which covers the USA due to the prohibitive cost of treatment. Additionally, it is important to note that despite St. Kitts and Nevis being an international hot spot for scuba diving, the country does not possess and hyperbaric chambers to treat decompression sickness. The closest hyperbaric chamber can be found in the Netherlands Antilles. Emergency evacuation in the case of caisson disease will be expensive, often in the region of US$ 50,000 for transportation and proper medical care during the journey. While medical insurance coverage is not required for expatriates in St. Kitts and Nevis, Pacific Prime strongly encourages all foreign nationals in the country to consider the purchase of a policy. This is primarily due to the nation’s inability to provide superior medical services, and its remote location which may necessitate emergency evacuation in the event of an untoward medical situation. International health insurance plans from Pacific Prime will offer comprehensive coverage in St. Kitts and Nevis. Policies we work with are typically internationally portable, provide global protection, and will often be guaranteed renewable for life. This means that should you ever relocate away from St. Kitts, your plan will travel with you can continue to offer thecomplete protection you require. We work with over 60 of the world’s leading international health insurance companies, and can provide a range of options which can often be tailored to meet you specific individual requirements. For more information about St. Kitts and Nevis health insurance, please contact one of our expert advisors today. Alternatively, you may complete the short form at the top of this page to receive a free quote. |
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